O7-3 Young people Living, learning and growing - the impact of a year on independent boarding schools

Abstract Background This paper outlines a mixed methods research study conducted at three independent boarding schools (a uniquely Danish type of residential setting for young people between the ages of 14 to 18) that all focus on sport and physical activity. In total independent boarding schools attracts more than 30.000 students per year, which makes it a very popular choice for young people. Interestingly, this particular type of schools have not been researched much. This study aims to provide an insight into the special qualities of Danish independent boarding schools and explore how a focus on sport and physical activity in relation to personal development of young people plays a role at three of these schools. Methods The analyses are based on an online survey distributed to 1020 students at the participating schools in March 2019. In total, 865 students answered the survey. The purpose of the survey was to collect quantitative data on background issues, the students' motives for choosing independent boarding school life and to gain an insight into what the students' perceived as the special qualities of living on such a school - typically for one year. The quantitative findings are enriched by empirical findings and conclusions from qualitative data generated via six MSc theses. Results The survey results show that students to a great extent choose an independent boarding school based on the sports program (73%), facilities (69%) and sport performance levels (51%). The students point out getting new friends (92%), being a part of a community (92%), learning to collaborate (91%) and solving conflicts (88%) as some of the special qualities of life at independent boarding schools. The qualitative analyses reveals that sense of community, social interaction with fellow students and the relationship between teachers and students are perceived as the main qualities of this type of school life. Furthermore, the analyses points out that sport and physical activity can both hinder and promote qualities as the ones mentioned. Conclusion The study contributes to new and important insights into a popular and unique type of school in Denmark, but more research is undoubtedly needed.


Background
Regularly observed and sufficient physical activity (PA) of young people depends on the creation of conditions for success in the preferred PA. Therefore, we consider the diagnostics of PA preferences to be an irreplaceable part of PA diagnostics. The aim of this study is thus to (a) detect the state and trends in the preferences of individually oriented PA of young people in different education and sports environments in the context of weekly PA; (b) to detect the associations among developing preferences of track and field and the fulfilment of recommendations within a weekly PA.

Methods
In the research conducted from 2007 to 2017 participated in total 16116 participants aged from 14 to 26. We have realized a sports preferences questionnaire and weekly PA questionnaire IPAQ-long in order to detect the preferences in the individually oriented types of PA.

Results
The biggest long-term stability among the Czech and Polish boys and the Czech girls showed swimming and cycling and among Polish girls swimming and skating. The most significant increase of preferences was detected in track and field, especially among the Czech girls and boys. The girls and boys who prefer track and field meet weekly PA recommendations significantly more than those who do not prefer it. Both Czech and Polish boys and girls showed that those who prefer athletic/running activities fulfil significantly more recommendations to a weekly PA; specifically at least 5 times a week for a minimum of 60 minutes of MVPA and simultaneously at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous PA. Preferences of athletic/running activities also increase the chance of fulfilment of above-mentioned recommendations to a weekly PA with both girls (OR = 1.801, CI = 1.571-2.065) and boys (OR = 1.655, CI = 1.437-1.905). These preferences are also important predictors for fulfilment of PA recommendations. Background This paper outlines a mixed methods research study conducted at three independent boarding schools (a uniquely Danish type of residential setting for young people between the ages of 14 to 18) that all focus on sport and physical activity. In total independent boarding schools attracts more than 30.000 students per year, which makes it a very popular choice for young people. Interestingly, this particular type of schools have not been researched much. This study aims to provide an insight into the special qualities of Danish independent boarding schools and explore how a focus on sport and physical activity in relation to personal development of young people plays a role at three of these schools.

Methods
The analyses are based on an online survey distributed to 1020 students at the participating schools in March 2019. In total, 865 students answered the survey. The purpose of the survey was to collect quantitative data on background issues, the students' motives for choosing independent boarding school life and to gain an insight into what the students' perceived as the special qualities of living on such a school -typically for one year. The quantitative findings are enriched by empirical findings and conclusions from qualitative data generated via six MSc theses.

Results
The survey results show that students to a great extent choose an independent boarding school based on the sports program (73%), facilities (69%) and sport performance levels (51%). The students point out getting new friends (92%), being a part of a community (92%), learning to collaborate (91%) and solving conflicts (88%) as some of the special qualities of life at independent boarding schools. The qualitative analyses reveals that sense of community, social interaction with fellow students and the relationship between teachers and students are perceived as the main qualities of this type of school life. Furthermore, the analyses points out that sport and physical activity can both hinder and promote qualities as the ones mentioned.

Conclusion
The study contributes to new and important insights into a popular and unique type of school in Denmark, but more research is undoubtedly needed. Keywords: Independent boarding schools, physical acitvity, personal development, community, social interaction Abstract citation ID: ckac094.052 O7-4 Temporal trends in sport participation according to WHO physical activity guidelines and its effect on weight status: a French school-based study between 2015 and 2019